Northern San Juan

You might be able to trigger a small avalanche where you find new snow forming a slab over old, weak snow on steep, upper-elevation north and northeast-facing slopes. Look for and avoid areas of deeper or stiffer snow, especially in steep, shady, rocky terrain where weak snow may be lurking below. If you encounter snow that cracks underneath you or audibly 'whumps', retreat to lower-angled terrain or choose a slope that faces a different direction.